Heinz settled debate on whether ketchup belongs in fridge or cupboard

Cold in the fridge or room temperature in the cupboard? It’s a debate that seems to apply to a number of random food items.

From cartons of eggs to even bars of chocolate, it’s also pretty divisive around bottles of ketchup.

Sure, it’s not the most pressing of matters, but bring this up at the pub, and people will lose their minds as they die on the hill of their foodie opinion.

The fridge purists will point out that many bottles literally say ‘keep refrigerated’ with the cupboard bunch just argue that the stuff is usually full of preservatives and will be fine anyway.

But to cut the pub chat short and settle the debate totally, Heinz spoke out to share the ‘correct answer’. And sorry room-tempers, you’re not going to like it.

Where do you keep yours? (Tiffany Hagler-Geard/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

"There was only ever one correct answer, and we're happy to share with Heinz Tomato Ketchup lovers that our ketchup has to be in the fridge," Heinz representative Olivia Lennon previously told MailOnline.

And while she did acknowledge that many fans of the stuff keep it in the cupboard, the rep doubled down: “We do recommend refrigeration after opening.”

Lennon continued: "This is the best way to maintain the delicious tangy taste of our Heinz Tomato Ketchup that you know and love."

I mean, the label literally says 'For Best Results, Refrigerate After Opening' LADs – why would you want to go against that?

So, cupboard lovers, you can keep it in the cupboard all you like… until you unseal that lid.

The brand also went in pretty hard in pledging its allegiance to the fridge back in 2023, when it wrote on X: FYI: "Ketchup. goes. in. the. fridge!!!"

Although don’t give up hope just yet, because a doctor actually argued that ketchup is totally fine sitting in the cupboard instead.

Well, maybe it simply is just preference. (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Speaking to Which?, dietitian Dr Sarah Schenker said: "Sometimes people keep ketchup in the fridge, simply because they prefer a chilled taste, but otherwise it doesn't need to be refrigerated."

She also gave her expert opinion on where other condiments need to be stored.

Brown sauce can go in the cupboard since 'it's vinegar-based, so keeping it in the fridge isn't necessary'.

Mustard too doesn't need to go in the fridge, 'although keeping it in the fridge may help to preserve its kick and punchiness for longer'.

However, mayonnaise and salad cream need to be kept in the fridge.

But ultimately, the ketchup debate might all come down to personal preference, so I guess the pub chat lives on.